Monochromatic, tone-on-tone designs seem to be all the rage right now. When this trend uses whites, creams, and neutrals, I think it's especially alluring - a beautiful way to bring a sense of tranquility, sophistication and classic style to a home. I love the way my sweet friend California designer Ohara Davies-Gaetano played with this concept in two homes that she recently shared with me. Ohara created incredibly soft and inviting spaces using various layers, textures and subtle differences in materials and elements.This Newport Beach home has a casual, comfortable feel with multiple seating areas and the warmth of the sun flooding in from windows and doors. Soft layers make this gorgeous living room feel so spacious, great for these homeowners who downsized when moving to California from their previous Virginia residence. Ohara said, "I wanted all areas of the home to feel like a continuation of the next, ensuring a very open feeling overall." I adore the way that Ohara has accessorized these shelves, drawing out the palette of the pillow fabric in a curated way. Most of the objects are the client's own collection of finds, mixed with some antiques and collectibles that Ohara integrated. The antique mercury bottles are so pretty, each one with its own special shape and patina. The Baker floor lamp and Oly end table have a great simplicity that balances rather than competes with the built-ins.The mix of antique pieces and modern lines adds so much interest to this area! The custom-made pillows with a graphic, diamond design are a beautiful foil to the 18th century Italian altar stick and the antique French frame that Ohara used to showcase art from the homeowners' collection.Ohara custom-designed these fab end tables based on an antique Gustavian cabinet she saw on a recent trip to Europe. She's incorporated so much character into this assortment of old-world pieces like the drawer pull and modern elements like this stunning lamp made from Selenite mounted on a lucite base. "I love the juxtaposition created by combining, the old, the new, the polished and the more organic."Notice the subtle differences in the chairs surrounding this dining table… Ohara matched a Saladino-inspired, slip-covered chair with an exposed leg chair based on a South of France antique she'd found. This Italian chandelier that was recreated from an 18th century altar stick - beautiful!One last glimpse of the chairs! Ohara offered some great advice if you want to accomplish a similar look: "Since I used two completely different styles of chairs around the round table, I wanted to unite them by using the same upholstery and the same trim. The eye discovers the variance in shape and scale, but it isn't jarred by a contrast of various tones of fabric."This next home in Southern California also has a tone-on-tone design, but here Ohara plays off the French Provencal architecture throughout the outdoor and indoor spaces. By creating a very classic and neutral backdrop, Ohara could incorporate the English antiques that the homeowners collected when they lived in London without the pieces seeming too abrupt or out of place. As you enter the home, this antique statue that Ohara found on a recent buying trip adorns the hallway and offers blessings.The great room is the epitome of elegant sophistication. Creamy plaster on the walls, the room has a warm and embracing quality of light that Ohara used as an inspiration for the color palette. The furnishings here - everything from the pair of chairs from Baker and the mirror over the fireplace to the custom-made Tibetan rug and Amy Howard cabinets - are just gorgeous!The outdoor areas of this home are truly spectacular! I can just imagine spending my mornings here surrounded by fountains and antique and reproduction planters that were imported from the South of France and Italy - heaven! The vines and archways invite you into the wonderful loggia.

What an enchanting patio! All of the outdoor furniture is from the Andalusia collection of Century and then customized with these beautiful embroidered outdoor pillows from Bliss Studio! I love the irregular stepping stones- they give the outdoor areas a more European and older feel.This modern meets old-world sitting area outside of the master bedroom is so cozy! The little window with shutters is my favorite! Ohara chose these great Giati metal chairs and matching end table to play off the beautiful black and white tile design. The custom-made pillows are also fab!

Thanks again, Ohara for sharing some more of your incredible design projects and sources with us! You are truley talented!! Hope everyone has a great week! xo Leslie

Hi, Leslie - Happy New Year! I hope you are well!! Thanks for featuring these homes by Ohara Davies-Gaetano. I love, love both! The dining room in the first house is gorgeous. Love the palette she used. And the architecture of the second home: beautiful! Cheers,Loi